STEROID, BRAIN LOSS LINK: Steroids that give athletes bulging muscles may also cause their brains to waste away, new research suggests.
A study has shown that taking steroids to bulk up can lead to a "catastrophic loss of brain cells". Large doses of steroids were already known to boost levels of the male hormone testosterone and cause "hyperexcitability" - heightened aggression and suicidal tendencies.
This could be evidence of impaired brain function, according to Prof Barbara Ehrlich, from Yale School of Medicine in Connecticut, US. "Next time a muscle-bound guy in a sports car cuts you off on the highway, don't get mad, just take a deep breath and realise that it might not be his fault."
PLOUGHING CHAMPIONSHIP GP REFERRALS: Up to 10 per cent of the approximately 1,200 people who took advantage of health checks at the National Ploughing Championships had to be referred the same day to an on-site GP for further advice.
The individuals had either high blood pressure or high cholesterol that warranted immediate investigation, according to a spokesman for Pfizer, which carried out the screenings. Overall, 45 per cent of those screened had raised cholesterol and 39 per cent had raised blood pressure.
About 5 per cent had cardiovascular disease.
Pfizer said the idea of the screening programme was to help reverse poor health trends in the agricultural community.
Pfizer said that, on a more "positive note", 82 per cent of farmers have indicated they would be prepared to make changes to become healthier.
SMOKING DURING PREGNANCY: Smoking during pregnancy can affect the baby's immune system which may explain why asthma and respiratory problems are more common in children whose mothers smoke, Australian scientists have found.
Babies of smokers are more likely to suffer from respiratory infections than children of non-smokers, but until now it has not been clear why.
The scientists say it may be due to changes to biological receptors in the baby's immune system that are responsible for recognising and fighting infections. They say the findings show foetal exposure to smoke is associated with changes that weaken innate immune defences and slow the development of the acquired immune system.
WHITFIELD CLINIC APPOINTMENT: Euro Care International has appointed Pat McLoughlin to the Whitfield Clinic board. Whitfield Clinic is a private hospital just outside Waterford city that is expected to open in early November.
Pat McLoughlin has more than 28 years' experience in the public health service, including 16 years at senior management level. He was chief executive of the Eastern Health Board and the South Eastern Health Board. Most recently he was the first director of the National Hospitals Office in the HSE and was its deputy chief executive until last January. He holds a BA and LLB from the National University of Ireland, Galway and an MBA from Strathclyde Business School.
HEALTH SURVEY: A health survey undertaken by Red C on behalf of Vivas Health has revealed that only 23 per cent of respondents have been screened for a potential illness in the past two years.
The survey found 69 per cent of respondents said they talked to their family/friends about health issues. When broken down into male and female, this figure rises to 76 per cent for women, but is lower for men at 61 per cent.
It also found that 94 per cent of respondents believe they themselves are responsible for monitoring their health.
MATER CHARITY BALL: Mater hospital staff are organising a charity ball for homeless people. It aims to raise money for the Capuchin Franciscan Order which provides hot meals, clothes and day-care facilities for people in Dublin who are homeless or in need. The ball will be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Santry on October 7th.
Brother Kevin Crowley from the order expressed his gratitude towards the hospital staff. "The money raised will go towards our day centre where we provide almost 3,000 hot meals a week," he said.
To obtain a ticket, contact Linda Caulfield, projects manager at the Mater hospital, on 087 250 1200 or Deirdre Rice, nurse manager at the Mater, on 01 803 2244.